On the occasion of the National Day of the Union of Myanmar, on behalf of the Polish nation and on my own, I convey to you and to all the citizens of the Union of Myanmar my heartfelt congratulations.

I wish, Mr President, that the coming future, beside achievements in economic and social development of your country, may also bring a sustainable progress in the process of the national reconciliation with participation of all the political and social forces of the country, thus bringing the Union of Myanmar's nation closer to full implementation of its desires and aspiration.

Please accept, excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

On behalf of the people of Ukraine and on my own, I sincerely congratulate you on the occasion of the National Holiday of the Union of Myanmar - Independence Day.

I am confident that the relations of friendship and mutually beneficial partnership, which exist between our states, will be further successfully developed and strengthened on the benefit of Ukraine and the Union of Myanmar.

I wish you, Your Excellency, happiness, good health, success and inspiration in your State activity as well as peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Myanmar.

On behalf of the Government of Ukraine and on my own, I sincerely congratulate you on the occasion of the National Holiday of the Union of Myanmar - Inpdependece Day. I am confident that the relations of friendship and cooperation, which exist between two countries, will be further developed and strengthened on the benefit of our peoples. Availing myself of this opportunity, I wish you, Your Excellency, good health and success in your state activity as well as peace and prosperity to the people of Myanmar.

YANGON, 15 Jan - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt inspected the upgrading of approach roads of Kyweku-Kyaukphya Bridge on Myeik-Dawei road near Myeik, the current of the Kyaukphya river and the bridge from Kut hillock on 13 January Morning.

Superintending Engineer U Ba Wan of Public Works reported to the Prime Minister on salient points and construction tasks of the bridge.

Kyweku-Kyaukphya bridge, with reinforced concrete foundation and steel frames, is situated on Myeik-Dawei road and 3,162-foot long. It supports a 28-foot motorway flanked by 6-ft pedestrian lanes on both sides. It can withstand 60-ton loads.

Next, the Prime Minister and party proceeded to Government Computer College (Myeik). Principal Daw Mya Mya Zin and teachers welcomed the Prime Minister there. After hearing the report on academic and administrative affairs of the college presented by the principal, the Prime Minister fulfilled the requirements for construction of the main building and a recreation centre for the students.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party went to the construction site of Maha Theikdizaya pagoda on Sandawadi hill in Myeik. First, the Prime Minister inspected the construction tasks of the pagoda and paid reverence to a Buddha Image in the Gandakuti Taik and Htidaws to be hoisted atop the main pagoda and circling pagodas.

After hearing the report on construction of the pagoda presented by Superintending Engineer U Ba Wan, the Prime Minister gave instructions on taking measures for durability and gracefulness of the pagoda by employing Myanmar traditional architecture.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Maung Bo accepted a total of K102.5 million donated to the funds of the pagoda including K 2.5 million donated by the ministers who accompanied the Prime Minister, K 30 million donated by Chairman Dr Khin Shwe of Zay Gaba Co Ltd, K 10 million donated by Chairman U Htay Myint of Yuzana Co Ltd, K 6.3 million each by Pyi Phyo Tun Co and International Fisheries (Taninthayi) Ltd and Htoo Htoo Toe Fisheries Ltd, K 5 million each by Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council and Coastal Region Command Headquarters, K 3.6 million each by the Mon peace group, U Saw Jet of Annawa Soe Co and Tetnay Co, K 2 million each by Myeik, Kawthoung and Dawei District Peace and Development Councils, K 1 million each by Ahsaung Kaung Fisheries Ltd and Moekaung Oil Palm Co, K 200,000 by U Sai Kyaw of the Paradise Hotel, K 350,000 each by U In Hone and U Maung Win (Kanphya), K 1.05 million by Thida Fisheries Co, K 6.3 million by Vintage Co and Summit Co, and K .5 million each by Dr Soe Win and U Khin Zaw of Tour Mandalay. Next, the Prime Minister and party arrived at Myeik University. Pro-rector U Khin Maung Cho and faculty members welcomed the Prime Minister.

Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt reported to the Prime Minister on brief history of the university, courses and specialisation conducted, student population, organizational set-up and IT centre complete with 84 sets of computers and construction tasks. Senior Engineer U Kyaw Myint reported to the Prime Minister on construction tasks. After hearing the reports, the Prime Minister gave instruction on construction of a main building attached to convocation hall.

Next, the Prime Minister and party viewed round the books displayed at the oceanography lab and gave instructions on taking necessary measures for development of oceanography. Later, the Prime Minister and party went to new 200-bed General Hospital in Myeik. The medical superintendent, doctors and nurses welcomed the Prime Minister and party. Next, the Prime Minister and party viewed round the hospital and inspected the construction of the main operation theatre.

Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo and the medical superintendent of the hospital reported to the Prime Minister on treatment and construction tasks of the hospital. The Prime Minister gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, the Prime Minister arrived at Laykyun Hsemi pagoda in Myeik and paid reverence to a Buddha Image. The Prime Minister and party also contributed cash towards the funds of the pagoda. Next, the Prime Minister and party proceeded to the International Fish Auction Market in Myeik and inspected the business of private companies.

Later, the Prime Minister met with members of Division, District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials and members of social organizations at Pale Yadana hall in Myeik.

First, Commander Brig-Gen Ohn Myint reported to the Prime Minister on arrangements for ensuring the local rice sufficiency, yearly rice output, targeted monsoon paddy acreage, arrangements for cultivation of summer paddy, winter crops, oil palm, rubber and pepper, production of meat and fish, and livestock breeding tasks by citing facts and figures.

After hearing the report, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt said starting 11 January he and his team of high level officials were touring Dawei, Myeik and Kawthoung regions in Taninthayi Division to look into the regional development undertakings, while inspecting the state-sponsored projects.

The team inspected the deep-water seaport that will benefit the nation much in the future as well as the transport, health, education and social sectors and the situation of the local agricultural entrepreneurs and the economy of Dawei region. If a deep-water seaport can be built in Dawei District, the sea-borne goods from West Europe and South Asia can be transported to Thailand via the district. Thus, the project will benefit not only Myanmar, but also the neighbouring and regional countries. The inspection tour was meant to witness the deep-water seaport as well as the arrangements to start a transnational highway project that will be jointly implemented by Myanmar, India and Thailand. He and his team has already attended to the needs of an industrial zone project in Launglon Township, Dawei District, and world-class infrastructure projects to develop Maungmakan beach.

On 12 January, the team after looking into the requirements of Kawthoung region development, studied the rich aqua resources of the southern tip of the country, prospects of eco-tourism development in Myeik archipelago, and Ma Kyone Galet, Salone and Pale islands. The whole Taninthayi Division including Myeik Township is rich in natural resources, and have been the region contributing much to Myanmar economy throughout the successive eras. In addition to fisheries, rubber plantation and mineral mining, oil palm cultivation is also standing as one of the main economies of the region at present.

The Government has been encouraging the participation of the private entrepreneurs, while implementing necessary economic projects on self-reliant basis for progress of the entire Taninthayi Division including Myeik, Dawei and Kawthoung, to become a zone contributing towards the national development. Local authorities and departmental personnel should strive for the successful implementation of the State's national development projects, while giving support to the private sector. Local authorities and departmental heads will have to make efforts with heart and soul for regional rice sufficiency, to provide encouragement and assistance to the private oil palm cultivation business to help fulfil the edible oil consumption of the nation and to further develop the fisheries that is the largest sector and the most basic foundation of the regional economy. The private sector is extending coastal and deep-sea fishing in cooperation with the neighbouring countries. In order to effectively utilize the nation's riches for the State interest, the Government is making arrangements to assign duties to the private sector, combining its financial power, efforts and efficient management system, base on common interest. Thus, the private entrepreneurs should extend their enterprises, while existing as a force worthy of the State's protection and support. Officials are required to strive for progress of the regional businesses including rubber, pepper and mining. As pearl culture is achieving success under the leadership of the State, efforts should be made for the business to flourish with added momentum.

As the private sector has been assigned to develop nature tourism in Taninthayi Division possessing wide and long beaches, vast diversity of flora and fauna, and pristine islands and coral reefs, the government bodies are required to support the sector. The team inspected the arrangements to hold the Salone Festival, making arrangements for the national entrepreneurs and the departments to implement development undertakings including the eco-tourism business to help Salone race settle at appropriate places, improve their social standard, promote their culture, and preserve their race. The Salone is a rare and significant people of the world living on boats, and earning their living fishing, their skilled profession. The Government has been further improving the transport sector, the main requirement for development of the whole Taninthayi Division.

In addition to Lenya Mandaing Bridge and Kyweku Kyaukphya Bridge, major bridges were constructed. Moreover, Kawthoung-Myeik-Mawlamyine motor road was constructed. As a result, there has emerged a motor road linking Kawthoung, the southernmost town in Myanmar, to Putao, the northernmost town in Myanmar.

At a time when the Government is making systematic arrangements for developing all sectors in Taninthayi Division, departmental officials, on their part, should make field trips down to grass-roots level and implement the Government's regional development measures to ensure the higher living standard of the people.

A peaceful, modern, developed and discipline-flourishing democracy, which is the national goal, will take shape in a not too distant future without a shadow of doubt should the departmental officials lend themselves practically and energetically to the drive to improve the regions where they are assigned duties.

Now that the seven-point roadmap of the State designed to create a peaceful, modern, developed and discipline-flourishing democratic state is put into action systematically by the Government, it is incumbent upon departmental officials as well as the entire national people to make active and harmonious cooperation with the Government so as to secure achievements in these tasks in the spirit of national solidarity and Union Spirit, he concluded.

Next, U Htay Myint, Chairman of Yuzana Co Ltd, donated K 50 million to the education, health and rural development tasks of Myeik region and K 500,000 to the Pale Kyun BEHS (branch); Zegaba Co Ltd Chairman U Khin Shwe, K 500,000 to the Pale Kyun BEHS (branch); U Kya Maung of International Marine Products Co, K 500,000 to the Pale Kyun BEHS (branch); and Managing Director of Tour Mandalay Co Ltd U Khin Zaw, K 200,000 to the same school. The donations of cash were received by Commander Brig-Gen Ohn Myint.

Later, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party went to Hseiknge Bridge in Myeik, and then they left for Daungkumaw crabs breeding camp in Thantok village-tract in Kyunsu Township.

Officials of Ahsaung Kaung Industries Co Ltd reported to the Prime Minister and party on production of fresh fish and prawns, the breeding of crabs in 15 ponds, and the condition of the company's incomes realized from the export of crabs.

After hearing the reports, the Prime Minister gave instructions, saying that efforts are to be made to breed crabs which have a ready market in foreign nations as many as possible and that the ministries concerned are to offer necessary assistance to private sectors with the conviction that the development of private economies is in other way round the economic growth of the country.

Manager of Ahsaung Kaung Industries Co Ltd U Aung Lin donated K 1.5 million worth of school exercise books and pencils to the basic education primary schools; Director U Maung Sit, K 1 million for the same reason. The donations were received by Commander Brig-Gen Ohn Myint.

Next, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party inspected the production and breeding of crabs at the camp.

The Prime Minister and party also went to the 1000-ton cold storage of Pyae Phyo Tun Intl' Co Ltd on Pathaw Kyun in Kyunsu Township. There they were conducted round the storage by officials. In giving instructions to officials of the storage, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt said that ways and means should be sought for the penetration of fish and prawns into foreign markets. Afterwards, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party left Myeik by air and arrived back here in the evening.

Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, one of the members of the entourage of the Prime Minister, went to the subprinting house in Shanchaung Ward of Myeik on 13 January morning. There the minister inspected the construction works being carried out at the subprinting house and heard reports on progress of construction. Officials also conducted him round the construction site.

Later, the minister gave instructions on construction of the buildings meeting the set standards. He also met with employees of the Information and Public Relations Department at district and township levels and gave instructions on efforts to achieve the targeted goals in the implementation of the tasks.

YANGON, 15 Jan - ASEAN Steering Committee Meeting 1/2004 was held at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 4 pm today attended by Chairman of the ASEAN Steering Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

It was attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, the auditor-general, the chairman of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the judge advocate-general, deputy ministers, members of the steering committee, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and officials.

First, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung reported on the requirements to add new members in the steering committee, and attendance of the delegations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at ASEAN meetings. Next, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu reported on matters related to reduction of taxes for imports up to 0 per cent in accord with the ASEAN Industrial Cooperation Scheme, participation of Myanmar in Standards and Conformance of the ASEAN, the 12th Meeting of the ASEAN Trade Negotiating Group held in conjunction with the 10th Meeting of the ASEAN-China Trade Negotiating Committee held in the PRC from 11 to 14 November, 2003.

Afterwards, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone reported on matters related to the first meeting on implementation of ASEAN economic agreements, and formation of subcommittees for respective economic sectors. Next, the chairman of the CSSTB, Dr Than Nyun reported on matters related to the participation of Myanmar delegation in the 12th Meeting of the ASEAN on Government Employees held in Brunei from 13 to 15 October 2003.

Vice-President U Win Aung of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry reported on matters related to ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Meeting. After hearing the reports, the Prime Minister made a speech. He said the ASEAN stood firmly as a united organization with rapid momentum of development. As a result, international organizations including western and European nations shifted their attention to the ASEAN and promoted friendly relations with it.

At the ASEAN Summit held in Cambodia, the delegation of South Africa attended the meeting on behalf of the African nations and discussed the possibilities of cooperation with the ASEAN.

The People's Republic of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea was participating in ASEAN+3 cooperation in the Asia region, the Prime Minister added.

The Republic of India started its cooperation with the ASEAN in the Ninth Summit of the ASEAN in Indonesia.

Members of the ASEAN countries was offering opportunities to the newcomers including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam by rendering assistance. The unity of the ASEAN became stronger and leaders of the member countries were extending friendly relations based on mutual respect towards each others, said the Prime Minister.

In this way, leaders of the ASEAN nations supported the seven-point future policy programme of Myanmar.

Today, problems caused by rapid developments in international affairs could not be overcomed by any single nation. With this in mind, world nations had established organizations to work for the mutual benefit.

Myanmar was participating not only in the ASEAN but also in the BIMSTEC that would connect the South Asian and South-East Asian countries.

It could be seen that with its participation in regional countries and organizations, Myanmar was able to enjoy the gradual progress in political, economic, social sectors, as favourable foundations had been achieved in the country.

Ministries concerned were required to actively participate in the ASEAN meetings and implement the results of the meetings in Myanmar, the Prime Minister pointed out. In conclusion, the Prime Minister urged those present to exert efforts to enable Myanmar to actively participate in the activities of the ASEAN for the realization of the objectives enshrined in the ASEAN Vision: 2020 that aims at the harmonious development of its member countries and strengthens the political, economic, social infrastructures of them.

YANGON, 15 Jan - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, left here by air for Myitkyina of Kachin State on 12 January morning.

At the Myitkyina Government Technological College, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the teaching aids at the electronic communication department, the electric power department and the mechanical department, workshops and computer rooms.

At the briefing hall, the principal of the college gave a brief account of the history of the college, courses available at the college, the population of students and the strength of faculty members of the college, followed by supplementary reports by Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Dr Chan Nyein.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win said that the Government is making efforts to develop human resources crucial for the establishment of a modern nation. Therefore, it is necessary for the teachers of the college to arm themselves with advanced technologies while nurturing their students to be intellectuals.

Moreover, steps are to be taken to be able to produce essential new items and innovate import-substitute goods through the integration of their intellects with the growing private industries. The Secretary-1 then cordially met with the faculty members of the college.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the Drug Addicts Treatment Hospital in Myitkyina, where officials of the hospital reported on matters related to treatment being given to drug addicts, mental as well as physical treatment, and anti-drug campaigns. Director-General of the Health Department also made additional reports.

After hearing the reports, the Secretary-1 gave instructions and inspected round the hospital. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Ye Myint signed in the visitors' book of the hospital.

At the Myitkyina 300-bed General Hospital, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the man and women patient wards, the surgical room, the intensive care unit, and the operation theatre. At the hall of the hospital, the Secretary-1 met with specialists, doctors and nurses and heard reports on treatment being given to patients, the raising of medical trust funds, and necessities of the hospital.

In response to the reports, the Secretary-1 said that with an average life expectancy of 62 years for men and that of 65 years for women, it is found that the people of Myanmar now enjoy longer life. Apart from it, Myanmar made clear to the world that since 2003 it has reached the status of a country free from leprosy and polio, and of a country that has brought TB under control. Similarly, the successful separation of conjoined twins, kidney transplants, and the rejoining of crushed arms are significant achievements in the health sector.

These measures being taken by health staff to provide public health care are in accord with the social objectives of the State. The Secretary-1 later attended to the requirements.

The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the Myitkyina University, where he met with the rector, professors, associate professors, lecturers, demonstrators at the hall of the university. On the occasion, the rector reported on matters related to the university. After hearing the reports, the Secretary-1 gave instructions, saying that the Government is making efforts to achieve simultaneous development in political, economic and social sectors. Success has been achieved in these tasks owing to the active participation of employees and the people. An adequate amount of infrastructure has been provided for the health, education and road transportation sectors. Arrangements are under way to further provide such requirements.

At the same time, as the seven-point roadmap of the State has been set, measures are being taken phase by phase to ensure the economic security of the people. He then called upon the faculty members of the university to do everything in their capacity to implement the goals.

Later, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the microbiology laboratory and the library at the university and the construction works being carried out there. After inspecting the construction of Adipadi road and the archway of the university, the Secretary-1 gave instructions to officials.

In the afternoon, the Secretary-1 and party headed for Government Computer College in Myitkyina. Principal Daw Khin Than Mya reported on salient points about the college and Managing Director of the Ever Green Construction Co Ltd U Than Shwe, on construction tasks. Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe gave a supplementary report.

The Secretary-1 inspected the scale model of the college and left necessary instructions. Next, they attended the stake-driving ceremony for construction of a Government Technological College near Pammati Village in Myitkyina. Vice-Chairman of the Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and the commander drove the stakes at the designated places and sprinkled scented water on them.

The Secretary-1 looked into the site chosen for construction of the college and gave instructions to the officials concerned.

The Secretary-1 and party held a meeting with industrialists at Myitkyina Industrial Zone. Chairman of Myitkyina Industrialists Association U Soe Myint Tun reported on establishment of the industrial zone, and assistance rendered by Kachin State Peace and Development Council for development of the zone; and industrialists, on tasks being implemented.

In response to the reports, the Secretary-1 elaborated on necessary assistance provided and encouragement being given by the State for the industrial development. He spoke of the need of the industrialists to visit the other industrial zones for development of Myitkyina Industrial Zone.

The Secretary-1 and party viewed the farm implements, and machines produced by Myitkyina Industrial Zone.

Next, they headed for Bala Minhtin Bridge across Ayeyawady River. Officials reported on implementation of Mali Hydropower Project, work being done, efforts being made for ensuring completion of the project by the end of 2004, and arrangements being made for distribution of electricity from the 10.5 megawatt power plant to Myitkyina and Waingmaw.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions to the officials concerned. Afterwards, Deputy Superintending Engineer of Bridge Special Group 15 U Soe Thet reported on condition of the flow of Ayeyawady River, construction of stone embankment near the bridge on the left of Myitkyina and work progress.

The Secretary-1 inspected the site chosen for construction of a control tower, progress in construction of the stone embankment and the bridge opened in November 1998. They proceeded to Waingmaw in the evening. U Hsin Wah Naung of Kachin State Special Region 2 reported on measures being taken for upgrading of Myitkyina-Bhamo Road by Kachin State Special Region 2 and Jade Land Myanmar Co; and Engineer (Project) U Tin Myint, on repair work to the road. The Secretary-1 and Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary instructions.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected construction of 110-mile Myitkyina-Bhamo Road.

They arrived back Myitkyina later in the evening and inspected the chosen site for construction of the main sub-power station of Malikha Hydropower Project. They inspected the stone embankment along Ayeyawady River near Kachin State Development Affairs Committee office. Officials reported on building of the stone embankment. The Secretary-1 and party visited Myitkyina Dhamma Rakkhita Wuntho Monastery and presented offertories to Presiding Sayadaw Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Silavamsa and members of the Sangha.

Member of the Central Panel of Patrons of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win, accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, met with secretaries, executives and members of Kachin State, Myitkyina District, Putao District and Myitkyina Township USDAs at the office of Kachin State USDA office.

YANGON, 15 Jan - Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Vice-Presidents Dr Kyi Soe and Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint and CEC members arrived at Hsamalauk Village in Nyaungdon Township, Ayeyawady Division, this morning.

They were welcomed there by Division MCWA Supervisory Committee Patron Daw Tin Tin Lat, wife of Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council and Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Naing, local authorities, members of the supervisory committee, officials, wellwishers, townselders and others.

They attended the opening of the day nursery of Township MCWA (branch) at the township. Patron Daw Tin Tin Lat and Director of Dagon International Ltd Daw Moe Mya Mya formally opened the building. The MMCWA president unveiled the signboard of the day nursery.

Next, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party viewed the building and presented gifts to the children.

At the cash donation ceremony, the MMCWA president made a speech. Maubin District PDC Chairman Lt-Col Sein Maung presented facts about the nursery. Chairman of the company U Win Aung handed over the documents related to the building, K 300,000, other cash donations made by the wellwishers to Division MCWA Supervisory Committee President Dr Than Aung, who then presented certificates of honour to him.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented teaching and learning aids to the school through Patron Daw Tin Tin Lat.

The team proceeded to Myanmar-Known You Peasants' Hospital in the village. They inspected the hospital and donated cash to the hospital and comforted the patients.

Vice-President Dr Kyi Soe held discussions with the youths of Lunge Yeikmon opened at the rural health care centre in the village.

(From 9 am to 5 pm daily from 21 to 27 January)

YANGON, 15 Jan - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, after attending the Asia IT Ministers' 2nd Summit held in Hyderabad, India on 12 and 13 January, arrived back here by air yesterday evening.

CEC member U Thaung Tin of the UMFCCI, who accompanied the minister, also arrived back on the same flight.

YANGON, 15 Jan - At the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, West Bangalore State Governor Mr Viren J Shah and party of India arrived here by air this afternoon.

The guests were welcomed at the airport by Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of Protocol Department, Director-General U Thaung Tun of Political Department, Indian Ambassador Mr Rajiv Kumar Bhatia, Military Attaché Colonel Jasvinder Singh Chopra and officials.

The Indian governor was accompanied by his wife and his personal assistants.

The Indian guests, together with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visited the National Museum on Pyay Road here in the evening.

After looking around the museum, the governor signed in the visitors' book and left there.

Minister U Win Aung hosted a dinner in honour of the guests at Karaweik Palace, Kandawgyi, here.

YANGON, 15 Jan - The matches of the ITF 14 and Under ASIAN Championship 2004 Asia Zone-2, jointly organized by the International Tennis Federation and Myanmar Tennis Federation, continued at Theinbyu Tennis Court here this morning.

Among the spectators were Yangon City Development Committee Chairman Yangon Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, MTF Patron Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Chairman U Zaw Zaw (Max Myanmar Co Ltd) and Secretary Dr Tin Aung Lin (Aung Mingalar Co Ltd), Executive Major Tin Saw Naing (Ministry of Defence) and executive committee members, ambassadors, invited guests and tennis enthusiasts. Final matches were held today.

In men's singles event, Phyo Min Tha beat Zin Bo 6-2, 6-0.

In men's doubles event, Phyo Min Tha and Win Htet Paing of Myanmar beat Babar and Nazir of Pakistan 3-6, 6-3, 7-6.

In the women's singles event, Noordin of Malaysia beat Aru Dpragasam of Sri Lanka 6-0, 6-0.

In the women's doubles event, Noordin of Malaysia and Jayatilaka of Sri Lanka beat Thirumalai Chelvam and Vythinathan of Malaysia 6-2, 6-0.

The matches of the first round of the championship finished today and the matches of the second round continue tomorrow at the same venue.